Strip tensioning mechanism



May 23, 1933. J. E. EUTH STRIP TENSIONING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet l May 23, 1933. J EUTH 1,911,112

STRIP TENSIONING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 L J /I J j May 23, 1933.

J. E. EUTH STRIP TENSIONING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 15, 1 930 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented May 23, 1933 .AT FEE CE JOHN E'UTI-I, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOE TO UNITED AUTOGBAPI-IIG- REGISTER 00., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A. CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS STRIP TENSIONING MECHANISM Application filed February 13, 1930. Serial No. 428,153.

This invention relates particularly to duplicating machines having means for filling in multiple accounting slips, sales slips, or the like, which are in the form of continuous strips of paper taken, preferably, from a single roll. Machines of this type usually comprise means for leading the strips of paper from the roll, or rolls, to suitable strip-guiding and supporting means and thence across aplaten to strip-engaging means which co-operate with suitable tensioning means for holding the strips stretched longitudinally on the platenf The primary object of the present invention is to provide improved strip-tensioning means for a machine of the character described so that not only will the strips of paper he held taut longitudinally of the platen when the machine is performing a duplicating operation, but the strips will also 7 be retracted automatically when they have been pulled out beyond the platen for the purpose of making corrections thereon, etc.

Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 is a side elevation of a duplicating machine embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan elevation of the machine shown in 1, the typewriting machine having been removes: therefrom; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section taken on line 83 of Fig. 2, a part of the frame being shown in elevation; Fig. i is a rear clevati on of one of a plurality of strip-tcnsioning devices shown in Figs. 1 and 2; F f. 5 is an end elevation of one of the Strip-tensbning devices, the strip-tensioning devices being shown in connection with a strip; Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal sec-- tion. part y in elevation, taken through a duplicating machine embodying another form of the invention; F ig. 7 is a section taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 6, the strip-tensioning devices having been omitted from Fig. 7; Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of one of plurality of locking devices forming parts of the mechanism shown in F i gs.- 6 and 7, and F 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of strip-tensioning apparatus embodying another form of the invention.

Referring for the presentto Figs. 1- to 5,.

inclusive, wherein I have illustrateda dupl i eating machine embodying a preferred formof the invention, A (IlQSlQIlfllI-GSZI main frame comprising a standardAf and a surf-mounting,

bed A B, a platen mounted in the frontportion of the main frame; C, a typewriting machine which is movably mounted,.for'line spacing. on rails provided on the bed A ;.and

D, a web or sti' ip-guiding mechanism mounted between rearwardly extending arms 1 of the main frame, said arms constltutlng con.-

tinuations of the rails provided upon the 2 adapted to engage register-apertures 2b with which the paper webs or strips 3 are provided. In this instance, the'webs or strips 3 are drawn from a roll 3*..

The standard A comprises a pair of footequipped uprights connected by bolts 4.

The platen B is movable by means of springheld actuating mechanism 5 comprising a system of levers actuated through the medium of a connecting rod 6, thelowcr end of which is joined to a pedal 7 pivotally mounted at 8 on a pivot carried by rigid arms 9 extending from the lower cross-rod 4.

The, mechanism 5 includes a rock-shaft 10 equipped with bent arms 11 which carry a clampingmember 12, the clamping member 12 serving also as a tear-off device. The member 12 is provided with perforations 12 adapted to fit loosely over the hooks 2*.

By depressing the pedal 7 the mechanism 5 is actuated against the force of the spring 13 thereof to cause the lowering of the rear end of the platen B and the lifting of the clamping bar 12 (Fig. 3). The bed A is equipped at. the rear end of the platen with a rigidly secured cross-bar 1 1i and with adjustable rigid clamps'l f When the platen is lowered the clamps are unclamped or released from the clamping action. Y

The typewriting machine C may be of any well known construction It is capable of transverse movement in the operation of printing words, characters, etc.

The web or strip-guiding mechanism D comprises preferably an auxiliary frame 15 mounted between the arms 1 and a plurality of rollers 25, a roller 25 being preferably provided for each of the webs or strips C. It will be noted that the webs or strips 3 are trained over the rollers 25 and are guided thereby to the platen B. The auxiliary frame 15 is supported on cross-bars 23 and 24 which connect the arms 1 of the bed A the auxiliary frame being equipped at its front and rear ends with suitable hooks or projections adapted to engage the cross-bars 23 and 24. If desired, the auxiliary frame 15 may be lifted out of the bed A As is the usual practice, those port-ions of the paper strips 3 lying upon the platen B are interleaved with transversely extending carbon strips (not shown).

Suspended from the paper strips 3 are a plurality of tensioning devices, or weights, 30, a tensioning device 30 being provided for each strip 3. Each of the tensioning devices, or weights, 30 preferably comprises a straight bar 31 of round cross-section and secured to each bar 31 is a U-shaped bar 32 which is also preferably of round cross-section (see Figs. 4: and 5). The ends of the U-shaped bar 32 are preferably of reduced diameter, as illustrated at 33, and these ends 33 are preferably riveted to the bar 31. Pivotally mounted upon the U-shaped bar 32 is a gripping member 3a comprising fingers 35 which cooperate with the bar 31 to frictionally engage the associated strip 3 which is preferably threaded through an elongated slot 36 formed by the bars 31 and 32. The fingers 35 are yieldingly urged toward the bar 31 by springs 37 wound around the bar 32, one end of the spring being secured to the bar 32 and the other end thereof being in engagement with the gripping member 34:.

As indicated above, a tensioning device 30 is provided for each paper strip 3, the paper strip being threaded through the slot 36 formed in the associated gripping device 30 and being frictionally engaged by the fingers 35 and the bar 31 thereof.

The tension of the springs 37 is such that when the operator draws the strips 3 forward, the tensioning devices 30 will engage the lower edges of the auxiliary frame D, the tensioning devices being drawn into that position due to the frictional engagement between the strips and the tensioning devices. However, the operator may continue to draw the strips 3 forward after the tensioning devices 30 have engaged the lower edges of the frame 3.

The operation of the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, is as follows: Assuming that one of the forms upon the several strips 3 has been printed or filled in, the

operator depresses the pedal 7 and thus effects relative movement between the platen B and the associated clamping members. leaving the paper strips free to be lifted from the hooks 2 and drawn forwardly until the next set of register-apertures 2" can be brought into engagement with the hooks 2. This displacement of the paper strips is against the action of the tensioning devices 30 which are then in engagement with the lower edge of the auxiliary frame D. However, it will be readily understood that the tensioning devices 30 function as weights and stretch the several strips 3 longitudinally of the platen B. Then when the operator relieves the pressure on the pedal 7 the platen B cooperates with the clamps 14c to clamp the strips 3 and the bar 12 is lowered to clamp the forward ends of the strips 3 between itand the cross-bar 2, the apertures 12 of the bar 12 registering with the hooks 2 so that the forward ends of the strips 3 are securely held in place during the following printing, or duplicating, operation.

If during the printing, or duplicating, operation, it becomes necessary for the operator to make corrections upon the strips 3, the pedal 7 is depressed to release the clamping devicesand the operator pulls the strips 3 forwardly to make the corrections thereon. Then after the corrections have been made, the tensioning devices 30 are permitted to draw the strips 3 back across the platen B until the forward registering apertures 2" may be hooked over the hooks 2 again. The tensioning devices 30 will then occupy positions such as those in which they are shown in Fig. 3 and will tension the several strips 3 so that when the pressure on the pedal 7 is released, the strips 3 will be stretched longitudinally of the platen B. lVhen the strips 3 are again advanced, the tensioning devices 30 will again engage the lower edge of the auxiliary frame D and function in the manner above described.

In Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in connection with a duplicating machine Which, in this instance, has all of the elements of the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, similar elements in the two machines being identified by like reference characters.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, means is added for guiding the tensioning devices 30 and for preventing accidental displacement thereof so that the strips 3 will not be accidentally pulled back from the platen B, The guiding means preferably comprises a frame E depending from the auxiliary frame D, the frame E comprising horizontally extending frame members 40 which function as stops for .the tensioning devices 30 and positively limit downward travel thereof. the frame members 40 and the auxiliary Extending between frame D are end frame members 41 and 42 and a plurality of intermediate guide-bars 43. Slots 44 are provided between adjacent guide bars 43 and between the end guide bars 43 and the adjacent end frame members 41 and 42. Obviously, the tensioning devices 30 may traverse the slots 44, the arrangement being such that the ends of tl e bars 31 of the tensioning devices 30 project through the slots 44 so that they may enhorizont-ally extending bars 45 which are slidably mounted in bracket members 46 and 47 rigidly secured to the end frame members 41 and 42, respectively.

The bars 45 are corrugated, or bent, to provide notches 48 on their inner surfaces, the notches 48 being preferably of such depth that when they register with the guide slots 44 the ends of the bars 31 of the tensioning devices 30 may drop through them. When this occurs, the bottom frame members function as stops for the tensioning devices 30. However, when the notches 48 do not register with the slots 44, and the tensioning devices drop from positions wherein they engage the lower edges of the auxiliary frame I), the bars 31 will come to rest upon the bars and thus limit downward travel of the tensioning devices 30.

Means is provided for displacing the bars 45 into and out of registry with the slots 44. This means preferably comprises levers 50 and 51 having pin and socket connections with the forward ends of the bars 45, the lever 5l being provided with an upwardly extending arm 53 which is connected by a pin and slot connection to a horizontally extending push rod 55 slidably journaled in the standard A. The forward end of the push rod is accessible to the operator so that it may be manipulated to bring the bars 45 into either of their two positions. Thus, when the push rod 55 occupies the position where-- in it is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the notches 48 do not register with the vertical guide slots 44, but when the push rod 55 is displaced to the right (Fig. 6) the notches 48 will be brought into registry with the slots 44.

To hold the push rod 55 in either of its two positions, notches 57 and 58 are provided therein, the notches 5t and 58 being engage able with a bracket member 59 depending from the cross-bar 2.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, is identical to the operation shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, with the exception that the bars 45 may be brought into position wherein the notches 48 do not register with the slots 44 and the tensioning devices 30 cannot drop through any appreciable distance if the forward ends of the strips 3 are accidentally released. However, if the operator desires to make corrections upon the strips 3 and, therefore, wishes to have the tensioning devices 30 drop a relatively long distance, when the corrected strips are to be drawn backward across the platen, the rod 55 is manipulatedto bring the notches 48 into registry with the slots44. After the corrected forms havebeen withdrawn from the machine and the machine is again operating under normal conditions, the rod- 55 may be manipulated again to bring the notches 48 out of registry with the slots 44.

Still another form of the invention is il-v lustrated in Fig. 9, a fragmentary View being shown 'ofa guide frame F which is similar in construction to the guide frame E, the guide frame F being provided with vertical guidobars 60 'forming guideslots 61 for the t-ensioning devices 30. Upon the inner surfaces of one ofeach pair of guide bars 60 forming a guide slot 61 a relatively long flexible member 64' and a plurality-of leaf-springs 65, 66 and 67 are secured. The member 64 is preferably pivoted to a bracket 68 secured to the associated bar 60 and theleaf springs 65, 66 and- 67 are preferably fixed to the same bar.

The member 64 and the leaf-springs cooperate to retard the associated t'ensioning device 30 when it drops downward. Thus, thet'ensioning device will frictionally engage the member 64 and flex it, the flexing of the member 64 being against the successive action of the leaf-springs 65, 66-a-nd 67. This construction prevents accidental backward movement of the strips 3 over the platen B.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness ofunderstanding only, and nounnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A machine of the character set'forth comprising a frame equipped with a platen; means for engaging and holding the forward ends of strips drawn across the platen; and gripper weights frictionally engaging the strips and suspended therefrom for tensioning them.

2. A machine as specified in claim 1, having means for guiding the weights.

3. A machine as specified in claim 1, having means limiting downward displacement of the weights.

4. A machine as specified in claim 1-, having stops for the weights; and means for bringing said stops into and out of functionally operative positions.

5. A machine as specified in claim 1, hav ing spring-pressed means for frictionally engaging the weights to retard downward dis placement thereof.

6. A machine as specified in claim 1, in which the weight comprises parallel rods and a spring-pressed clamping member pivotally mounted on one of said rods.

7. A machine of the character set forth comprising a frame equipped with registerpins; a platen back of said register-pins; weights frictionally engaging strips extending from said pins across said platen and suspended thereby; and stops limiting upward displacement of the weights when the strips are advanced.

8. A machine as specified in claim 7 having stops limiting downward travel of the weights.

9. A machine as specified in claim 7, having means retarding downward travel of the weights.

10. A machine as specified in claim 7, having withdrawable stops adapted to limit downward travel of the weights.

11. A machine of the character set forth comprising a frame equipped with a platen; means for securing the forward ends of strips near the forward end of the platen; and freely suspended gripper-weights suspended by the strips through frictional engagement therewith for tensioning the strips across the platen.

12. A machine as specified in claim 11, having stops engageable by the weights.

13. A machine as specified in claim 11, having stops for the weights; and means for moving said stops into functionally operative and inoperative positions.

14. A machine of the character set forth comprising a frame equipped with a platen; duplicating means associated with said platen; means for securing the forward ends of strips to said frame; and strip-tensioning means supported solely by said strips, said strip-tensioning means each comprising spring-pressed members for frictionally engaging a strip threaded between them.

15. A machine of the character set forth comprising a platen over which a strip may be drawn; and a weight slidably clamped on said strip for tensioning it over said platen.

16. A machine of the character set forth comprising a frame equipped with a platen; means for securing the forward ends of strips near the forward end of the platen, and weights frictionally secured to and carried solely by said strips for tensioning them across the platen, said weights being spaced laterally from each other solely by said strips.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my signature, this 21st day of January, 1930.

JOHN E. EUTH. 

